Steve Hawley

Statement by Assemblyman Steve Hawley:

The Governor’s State of the State address detailed his personal agenda for the 2013 legislative session. His plans to promote Upstate New York’s economy and invest in programs that will put the state on the cutting edge of high-tech innovation will provide a much-needed boost for our region. However, his presentation lacked any plans to address unfunded mandate relief, one of the biggest issues facing state government this year. No legislative agenda can be considered complete without a substantive plan to free our schools, towns and taxpayers from the burden of unfunded mandates.

Statement by State Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer:

State Senator Michael H. Ranzenhofer (R, C, I- Amherst) has issued the following statement in response to Governor Cuomo’s State of the State Address:

“Over the last two years, the State Legislature has been able to work together – unlike the gridlock and partisanship in Washington, D.C.– to pass two on-time budgets that reduced overall spending, lowered middle-class tax rates to the lowest levels in 58 years and realigned investments toward job-creation initiatives, such as ReCharge NY and Regional Economic Development Councils. Despite our fiscal house being put back in order, difficult choices remain ahead since the State still faces a $1 billion budget gap.

The ultimate goal must continue to be making New York more business friendly and improving our State’s economy so that the private sector can create jobs. The Governor’s proposals to reform workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance programs and his commitment to avoid taxes as a way to balance the budget will further help companies lower the costs of operating a business in New York. I am also pleased that, after announcing a billion dollars in economic development incentives for the Buffalo region last year, the Governor has again recommended a series of initiatives to revitalize Upstate New York’s economy.

The private sector created more than 210,000 jobs in New York State alone during the last two years, and I am hopeful that the State Legislature will be able to move New York’s economy in an even stronger direction by making the right investments and taking the right actions in the 2013 Legislative Session.”

Press release:

With the Thruway Authority canceling two consecutive meetings at the last moment over the past week, and authority leadership expressing opposition to a proposed 45-percent toll hike on commercial trucks, Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) is crediting job creators and business advocates for making their voices heard on the issue.

Hawley, who joined fellow lawmakers and pro-business groups like Unshackle Upstate in sounding the alarm on the proposed hikes beginning in June, applauded those who contacted the Thruway Authority to oppose the job-killing toll increase.

“Thanks to the constant pressure from local families, businesses, lawmakers and advocacy groups, the Thruway Authority has put their toll hike plan in reverse,” Hawley said. “The comments made by Thruway Authority Executive Director Thomas Madison and other high-ranking board members indicate that our message is being heard and common sense is prevailing.

"Such a drastic toll increase on commercial trucks would force businesses to either take their jobs out of New York or pass a cost increase onto consumers. We must continue to stand against this toll hike until the plan is officially discarded and our job creators are protected.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C–Batavia) was recently named to the New York State Farm Bureau’s 2012 Circle of Friends. The organization awarded Hawley for his voting record on issues of importance to New York agriculture and other measures of legislative support. The assemblyman, a past president of the Farm Bureau, reiterated his commitment to New York’s hardworking family farmers.

“Here in Western New York, farming isn’t just a cornerstone of our economy; it’s a way life,” Hawley said. “Having grown up in a farming family, I understand both the economic benefits and cultural significance that agriculture offers all of our lives.

"That is why for the last 35 years, as a former president and member of the Farm Bureau, I have worked tirelessly to promote agribusiness. I look forward to continuing my work with the Farm Bureau and joining with my Assembly Committee on Agriculture colleagues to further New York’s proud farming traditions.”

The Farm Bureau is a non-governmental, volunteer organization financed and controlled by member-families for the purpose of solving economic and public policy issues challenging the agricultural industry.

Genesee County lawyers gathered for a photo shoot on the Old Courthouse steps Thursday. This was to conclude the ceremony celebrating the Genesee County Bar Association's 100th Anniversary.

In attendance were Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer (who joined the lawyers in the photo), Assemblyman Stephen Hawley, Genesee County Legislature Chairperson Mary Pat Hancock and professionals from the justice system at the state level.

Hawley and Ranzenhofer presented the proclamation to GCBA President Durin B. Rogers (middle).

Here are some closer views of the lawyers who attended:

For more information on GCBA, visit their Web site: www.gcbany.com.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C – Batavia) recently expressed his opposition to legislation that would extend a variety of tuition assistance benefits to illegal aliens attending college in New York. Hawley characterized the measure as an out-of-touch proposal that betrays government’s obligation to taxpaying American families.

“Forcing taxpaying American citizens to subsidize higher education for illegal aliens is a blatant violation of the public trust and a complete injustice for our American students and families working tooth-and-nail to afford the pursuit of a college diploma,” Hawley said.

“This is yet another example of out-of-touch New York City politicians forcing New Yorkers in Upstate communities to foot the bill for their radical agenda. Families in Western New York need tuition assistance to build better lives for themselves and their children.

"I will fight any measure that robs them of that opportunity, especially this legislation which funnels taxpayer money into public assistance for illegal aliens.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia)  wrote to Governor Andrew Cuomo today, strongly encouraging the governor to stop the Thruway Authority Board from increasing tolls by 45 percent on commercial trucks with three axles or more. The assemblyman says the measure would slow job creation and increase costs to taxpayers and consumers alike.

In a letter to the govenor, Hawley wrote:

Thruway Authority Chairman Howard Milstein considers the 45-percent hike a "modest increase." A 45-percent spike in tolls is anything but a modest increase. In Western New York, this proposal would increase a trip between Buffalo and New York City for applicable trucks to roughly $127. The $39 cost increase will be passed onto consumers as companies increase the price of their goods in order to recoup the increased cost of doing business.

Trucks will be forced onto local roads in an attempt to avoid the tolls, causing the need for expensive repairs to local roadways -- placing, once again, the expense on the backs of local taxpayers. In addition, driving hazards will increase by adding more large trucks to local traffic.

This proposal will eliminate jobs for New Yorkers as trucking companies move out of the state and avoid doing business in New York entirely. As elected officials, it is our responsibility to work to reverse the irresponsible, job-killing taxes and fees that have plagued our state for years. We need to concentrate our efforts to reopen the "New" New York and empasize we are "Open" for business!

The 2nd Amendment to the United States Constitution got a ringing endorsement Tuesday from three of the top-ranking elected officials who represent Genesee County.

Rep. Kathy Hochul, State Sen. Michael Ranzenhofer and Assemblyman Steven Hawley all appeared at SCOPE's monthly meeting to talk about what they're doing to help prevent extremists on the left from stripping gun owners of their right to own firearms.

Ranzenhofer started off the evening by discussing how important a Republican majority is in the State Senate to protecting gun rights.

"There are people out there who don’t like you and want to take away your rights," Ranzenhofer said.

When Ranzenhofer was first in office, and the GOP didn't have a majority in the Senate, he said anti-gun Democrats regularly tried to push new laws to restrict gun and ammo sales.  Since the GOP regained control of the upper chamber, "we’ve not had to be constantly on guard for new legislation coming up," Ranzenhofer said.

Now, Ranzenhofer said, the biggest worry at the state level for gun-rights advocates is a popular governor who wants to push through legislation to restrict the rights of gun owners.

Hochul said she comes from a family of gun-rights advocates. She has two brothers in Maryland, she said, who are expert marksmen. While Hochul said she isn't big into hunting or target shooting herself, she has taken safety courses and knows how to handle a firearm.

"When a bill comes up that affects your 2nd Amendment rights, I’m on your side," Hochul said.

While clerk in Erie County, Hochul said she streamlined the process for a gun permits from a year or longer to four months, and three of those months involve the State of New York doing background checks.

"Some of you may say I have a 'D' after my name and I can't vote for you," Hochul said. "Well, fine, but I still represent you. I am independent and I look at each and every issue as what's best for the people of Western New York. Sometimes the Democrats are right and sometimes they're really wrong. Some times the Republicans are right and some times they are really wrong."

According to Hochul, when the gun rights groups come out with their congressional rankings soon, she will receive a very high grade for her voting record for her first year in office.

"I'm very proud of my ranking," Hochul said.

Hochul also noted that she opposed the "Fast and Furious" operation, which provided guns to drug gangs in Mexico, and believes Attorney General Eric Holder should respect the powers of Congress under the Constitution and turn over all "Fast and Furious" documents to the House of Representatives, a demand from Congress the Obama Administration is fighting.

Hochul faces the most serious reelection challenge in November of the three officials who spoke Tuesday and SCOPE Chairman Jack Taylor said he contacted the campaign for her challenger, Chris Collins, to invite Collins to the meeting, but didn't get a response.

Hawley talked a good deal about his work on veterans' issues, particularly his annual Patriot Tour of Washington, D.C., and noted that while his colleague in the Senate, Ranzenhofer, may need to deal with only two anti-gun zealots in that chamber, the state Assembly is filled with 40 or 50 people eager to water down the 2nd Amendment.

Hawley said those representatives deal with a very different constituency than Assembly members in Upstate and Western New York, where people often live on a bit of land, own their own homes, like to hunt and fish and target shoot.

In noting the differences, Hawley segued into a discussion of a bill he has repeatedly sponsored -- allowing a referendum vote on whether New York should be split into two states.

Taylor spoke between each guest and hammered home the same point: Gun rights advocates need to educate the public on the difference between law-abiding citizens who own guns and criminals who not only use guns but other implements to commit their crimes.

"In all my years in retail, I've never seen a gun jump off the shelf and shoot somebody," Taylor said.

Some of the blame for the misrepresentation of guns falls on the media, Taylor noted, reminding SCOPE members that you never see a headline that says "Chevy and Budweiser kills family of four," but you do see headlines like "Glock used in murder spree."

The former county coroner said the most common way that young people die a violent death in Genesee County is from drunken driving, while there is only about one homicide every seven years locally (worth noting: the last homicide locally was Scott Doll beating to death his victim, no gun involved).

"We are all against crime, whatever the implement," Taylor said. "We need to separate the crime from the implement. There’s not a gun law out there that ever saved a life or prevented a criminal from committing a crime."

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C – Batavia) recently announced his fifth annual Patriot Trip for veterans to tour Washington, D.C. The 2012 installment of this much-anticipated tradition will take place from Sept. 27 through 30. Hawley, who served as a 1st Lieutenant in the Army Reserves as well as with the National Guard, is a member of the Assembly Committee on Veterans Affairs. The assemblyman is encouraging both new and old faces to join the fifth incarnation of the Patriot Trip.

“It’s hard to believe this will be the fifth year that I have the honor of joining Western New York’s heroic veterans in visiting our nation’s capitol to recognize not only their own service, but that of all the selfless patriots who have defended our freedom and safety as Americans,” Hawley said.

“I encourage veterans and their families who have not participated in past years to join us in September and experience the powerful, moving venture that is truly a highlight of my role as a state legislator.”

Patriot Trip V will include roundtrip private coach transportation from Western New York to Washington, D.C., and accommodations at Quantico Marine Base in Virginia. The trip also includes tours of the WWII, Vietnam, Korean and Iwo Jima memorials, as well as Arlington Cemetery. Most meals are included with the trip cost of approximately $350.

For more information about trip details, pricing, or to sign-up, please call Assemblyman Hawley’s District Office at (585) 589-5780.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) recently voted against an unproven, illogical mandate on firearms producers known as microstamping. The proposal would force manufacturers to develop technology leaving unique imprints on rounds of ammunition, a costly process that would force producers to take their jobs out of state even though the procedure has not been proven to benefit public safety.

“Western New Yorkers know that if there’s anything that out-of-touch downstate politicians love as much as attacking our business owners and job creators, it’s attacking law-abiding gun owners,” Hawley said. “Instead of confronting the fact that gun crimes are, by and large, committed using illegal, unlicensed firearms, the Assembly Majority continues to demonize those of us who rightfully exercise our Second Amendment right.

"To make matters worse, this legislation would price firearms producers out of the state and cost New Yorkers jobs that we cannot afford to lose. No matter how many times this legislation comes to the Assembly Floor, I will continue to stand up against this absurd and unproven proposal.”

Assemblyman Hawley has consistently voted against previous legislation seeking to impose microstamping mandates against firearms producers.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) recently attended the Assembly Minority’s annual Dairy Day celebration in the Well of the Legislative Office Building in Albany.

Hawley joined event sponsors Assembly Minority Leader Brian Kolb and Assemblyman Ken Blankenbush, as well as state agriculture representatives and members of New York’s dairy industry, to celebrate the benefits of dairy products to the health of the state’s economy and its citizens.

The event featured an award ceremony with Super Bowl champion, former New York Giants running back and Syracuse University alumnus Joe Morris, spokesperson of the NFL “Fuel Up to Play 60” program. He presented a plaque to students from a New York elementary school for their commitment to the Fuel Up to Play 60 program, which stresses the importance of consuming nutrient-rich foods, such as dairy products, and exercising at least 60 minutes each day.

“Every year, I circle Dairy Day on my calendar because I take such pride in promoting the myriad of positive impact our local dairy farmers have on all New Yorkers,” Hawley said. “From the healthy food products they offer our families to the economic support they provide the state through job creation and revenue, dairy farmers are a vital component of our identity as New Yorkers.

"Especially in Western New York, we reap the benefits of our dairy farms each and every day, and I encourage all New Yorkers to support their local farm. Not only is it good for the economy’s health and your own health as well, but the dairy products in New York simply cannot be beat!”

According to the New York Farm Bureau, there are approximately 35,000 farms in New York and 99 percent are family owned.

New York State is home to nearly 5,700 dairy farms and 610,000 cows. In 2010, New York dairy cows produced 12 billion gallons of milk, or 20,807 gallons per cow. Dairy and animal production in New York provided $2.39 billion value of production to farmers in 2010, while distribution and processing is approximately $10 billion statewide and $50 billion regionally on an annual basis.

New York State is currently fourth in the nation in dairy production.

Assemblyman Hawley is a past president and 35-year member of the New York Farm Bureau. He formerly owned and operated Hawley Farms and has served on the Assembly Committee on Agriculture for the entirety of his six-and-a-half years in state government.

The U.S. flag flying outside of St. Joe's School had gotten so tattered that teacher Marianne Clattenburg thought it needed replacing. She mentioned it to Assemblyman Steve Hawley and Hawley offered to deliver a new flag to the school.

Today, Hawley was joined by a group of third-, fourth- and fifth-graders to raise the flag for the first time.

After talking with students a bit about the importance of the flag and sharing a little bit about state government, Hawley and the students hoisted the new flag high upon the pole.

When the students found out their picture was going to be on The Batavian, they were thrilled and some wanted to be sure their names were included, so here they are: Shawn, 3rd; Rachel, 3rd; Tegan, 4th; Jocelyn, 4th; Andres, 4th; Bella, 5th; Garrett, 4th; Gabby, 4th; Vincent, 5th; Marlea, 5th; Faith, 5th; Jace, 3rd; Benjamin, 3rd; Spencer, 5th; Tori, 5th; Megan, 4th. Their teacher today was Karen Green.

Press Release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) recently blasted the Thruway Authority Board for approving the first step toward a 45-percent toll hike on commercial trucks with three or more axles. Hawley pointed to a litany of ways in which the proposal would hurt businesses, consumers, taxpayers and the economy as a whole.

“There are so many things wrong with this toll hike, it’s difficult to decide what the worst part may be,” said Hawley. “This proposal will eliminate jobs for New Yorkers as trucking companies move out of the state and avoid doing business in New York entirely. The cost increase will be passed onto consumers as companies increase the price of their goods in order to recoup the lost capital. Trucks will be forced onto local roads in an attempt to avoid the tolls, causing the need for expensive repairs to local roadways like Route 63 that taxpayers will be forced to fund. In addition, driving hazards will increase by adding more large trucks to local traffic. The real question here is how could someone possibly think a 45-percent commercial toll hike is a good idea?”

Thruway Authority Chairman Howard Milstein called the 45-percent hike a “modest increase,” even though the proposal would increase a trip between Buffalo and New York City for applicable trucks to roughly $127.

“In Western New York, we know that a 45-percent spike in tolls is anything but a ‘modest increase,’ ” said Hawley. “While the Legislature works to reverse the irresponsible, job-killing taxes and fees that have plagued state government for years, unelected bureaucrats are working directly against our effort to reopen New York for business. This is completely unacceptable, and I urge Western New Yorkers to join me in making our voice heard against this irresponsible policy.”

The Thruway Authority is required to hold public hearings on the matter before implementing the toll hike. Details on the hearings have yet to be released. 

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) recently joined a number of his Assembly colleagues, requesting that the governor petition the federal government to make a federal disaster declaration for much of New York’s farming community. Due to the unanticipated early thaw in March and April that was followed by an extended frost period, many fruit crops in Western New York have been irreparably damaged. Statewide data collected by the Federal Farm Agency indicates that losses already meet the threshold for disaster assistance in many areas.

“Fruit crops in Western New York, and throughout the state, have been decimated by this year’s bizarre and destructive weather,” Hawley said. “Farmers who rely on the sale of grapes, apples, sour cherries, peaches, apricots and strawberries now have their livelihood hanging in the balance. Helping our farmers in this time of need is precisely what federal disaster funding was created for, and I sincerely hope the governor will petition the federal government to do right by New York’s agricultural industry.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) recently announced the recipients of this year’s Public Library Construction Grants. More than $327,000 has been committed for projects at the Byron-Bergen, Lee-Wheldon Memorial and Swan libraries, serving as sorely needed support for facility improvements. 

“In a time of staggering unemployment and fiscal crisis that is crippling our educational institutions, these library construction grants will be a boon for the community,” Hawley said.

“Our local libraries deserve the support necessary to provide up-to-date tools and services to the public, and that’s exactly what these grants will do. I know these libraries will put this funding to great use and become an even more integral part of our community.”

In Genesee County, the Byron-Bergen Public Library will receive $7,325 to open the wall via a French door to provide easy and secure access to an additional programming and educational resource space, thereby increasing the effectiveness of library service.

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) today sponsored Assembly Bill 1202, a budget amendment to repeal a crippling utility tax on local homeowners and businesses.

Other amendments brought to the Assembly Floor for a vote by the Minority Conference included a repeal of unfunded mandates and ban on future levies and a state spending cap to end the irresponsible use of tax dollars.

Hawley supported these measures as part of his ongoing fight to deliver real, tangible savings for taxpayers in Western New York.

“I sponsored and advanced the budget amendment to reduce utility taxes on homeowners and businesses because Western New Yorkers can no longer afford to foot the bill for state government’s irresponsible spending habits,” said Hawley.

“Utility taxes hurt our most vulnerable citizens, like seniors on fixed incomes, who need to heat their homes during the cold winter months. Coupled with the state spending cap and unfunded mandate relief that I voted in favor of today, the taxpayers of Western New York have made their voices heard loud and clear.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) recently met with daredevil Nik Wallenda at the state Capitol. Wallenda is set to walk on a high wire across the Niagara Falls Gorge, beginning on the American side of the border and ending in Canada. Hawley, who voted in favor of legislation allowing Wallenda’s plan, spoke with the stuntman about preparing for the feat and the impact it will have on Western New York.

“The bright lights of international media will be shining on Western New York when Nik Wallenda walks on a high wire across Niagara Falls,” Hawley said. “The event will give the area an economic boost, and will put all our region has to offer in the spotlight. Nik has shown hard work and perseverance in both his training and his efforts to gain legislative approval for his stunt, and I, for one, can’t wait to see him dance across the falls.”

Press release:

Assemblyman Steve Hawley (R,I,C-Batavia) hosted a statewide group of 4-H participants at the Capitol in Albany. The assemblyman, who has a lifelong connection to the agricultural industry and way of life, spoke to the young people about public service, improving state government and New York pride.

“It was a pleasure and a privilege to speak with these 4-H participants who are poised to be the leaders of tomorrow,” Hawley said. “I was happy to discuss many aspects of civic engagement, such as the value of community service, the process of how a bill becomes a law, and viewing public service as a vocation rather than an occupation.

"I not only encouraged, but challenged the young people to stay here in New York and help clear the path for economic growth by eliminating unfunded mandates and reducing excessive local costs like Medicaid spending, rather than fleeing the state and being a part of the problem. The group was responsive and energetic, and it does my heart good to know that these youngsters will be the next generation of great New York leaders.”

Hawley grew up on his family’s Hawley Farms, which he would later go on to operate. He is a past president and current member of the New York State Farm Bureau, and a former 4-H Club member of the Light Horse Club in Genesee County.